Tonga 'Ofa

yayayayayyy approved!!!

Everyday I look in the mailbox and nothing but bills bills bills - no NOA2!! But, I'm thankful to have a job and be able to afford this process/reunion and thankful to be in loooove with the man of my dreams. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Right? Our NOA2 was dated November 10. We checked last weekend and it was on initial review… last night around 8:00pm I checked again (of course) and it was on initial review .

It was around 9:00pm when my fiancé received an email saying that our status had changed, and then he received another e-mail around 9:15 saying that it was approved . Oh God!!! I would have had a nicer weekend if they had updated this “on time”… The whole weekend I was just whining all over VJ … lol…. Ups...

ooooooooo i hope mine has been approved and they just haven't told me yet hehehe

On November 10, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)!!!! We got the e-mail notification today!!!!

WOW congratulations!!!! Best of luck with the rest - you're almost there!

Sigh...

4 months today since NOA-1. Really hoping for the NOA-2 this week or next to have a chance for Fresy to be here by Christmas.

I am at 4 month today too! I am going to start seeing the glass half full: only a month left at the very most

I hate to bring down the mood in this forum! But, I'm just wondering...who out there has unsupportive families? It's hard to make such a big decision when nobody else thinks what you're doing is right. I'm glad we are all in this together.

How did you all meet your fiances and what were your families reactions to your engagement?

Hey,

I'm sorry you guys are still waiting. You are #124 on the Berkley list. If you throw out the Mays (which most are probably approved but not reported), you would be #91. I'm sure it can't be much longer.

What is the difference between berkely's list and igor's list?

I hope I didn't seem like I was rubbing it in that my fiance and I are spending Christmas together. I didn't think we were going to be able to do that, but it just worked out, thank goodness. My heart goes out to all of you who don't have that opportunity. It is so hard being apart for long stretches of time.

aww no not at all, I am envious though, in a good way

My case says it was last "touched" on 7/26/11. Being patient is so very hard to do. On the bright side, though, my fiance and I just booked flights for him to come for a visit over Christmas. Yaaaay!!

My Fiance lives in a country that doesn't allow people to come in on passports alone, they need visitor visas, but he can't get one because he is a young male and they just assume he will overstay. :( There will be no Christmas visits for us

Iris & Mark, az, I have the same filing dates, too.

Here's a question:

What do you do if your visa gets denied? I have no reason to expect that it should, but what if it does? Is that the end of the road? I want to start wedding planning, but I don't even dare get my hopes up.

I also received my NOA 1 (hard copy) on July 21st and still no NOA 1.

OOps I mean still no NOA2. See, this waiting is making me crazzzy

Hi Donna, welcome!

I also received my NOA 1 (hard copy) on July 21st and still no NOA 1. It really stinks to see others who have filed after you and have already received an NOA2, but I guess that's the nature of the beast. We will keep you company while you wait.

Tonga, which Service Center for you?

Hey Bernie,... Stop and Pick me up! for re-inforcements!

VSC, sign me up for the re-inforcements team, too! ha!

I have seen on Igor's list some people who sent petitions after me and approved already

p.s. Does anyone have advice on what we can do NOW to prepare for when the NOA2 comes, since it seems to be right around the corner!? What can my fiance prepare ahead of time - before getting packet 3?

Excited for everyone getting approved. Bummed we haven't yet

Sent 7/14, NOA1 7/18...waiting...

www.pingo.com

I call to Tonga, I don't know any other countries rates but this website is the ONLY calling card with decent rates for me. It is $0.36 for me on Pingo. The only other thing that even comes close is google voice at $0.40. They do billing history, call logs and everything. No connection fees or anything else. Just prepay and call. Worth checking out!

Hi! I have a degree in Communications/PR too. I went to an American University, though. I work in Marketing now. I don't think you need to do any extra schooling. You may want to be sure to check and re-check your English spelling/grammar on any cover letters/resumes. Having a small mistake like that is the easiest way to be overlooked, (for anyone, not just ESL applicants ((you are ESL, right?)) but you will have it tougher I am sure).

Something I found to be a big help in finding a job was providing a solid portfolio displaying your project/work experience. In the end it isn't going to matter what degree you have or from where, but how much experience and how well you can do the job.

If you truly have a Masters in COMM you shouldn't have to do continuing eduction. Just be extra careful to avoid minor mistrakes which might put you at an immediate disadvantage.

Hope this helps some!

Just thought of this too: Maybe you can provide proof of degree from your Univ.?

Hey Rob,

My petition was recieved on July 18th, so I am close in time with you. I changed my address recently and asked about the status of my case and they told they have until December 18th to make a decision. All it means is that they have a 5 month period to respond and make a decision. You're care is probably just sitting on someone's desk or in a bin somewhere - no one has probably even looked at it yet so there would be way to even know yet if there is a problem. If you get an RFE then obviously you will know. You're fine, don't worry. CSC is just telling you what they know and since there is no RFE linked with your records they are telling you there is no problem, your case is just still in processing.

I actually was doing some more reading last night, and the form that the fiance(e) has to fill out is actually the DS-156K, which is not electronic. So - I guess the electronic DS-156 is irrelevant. I think the embassy sends them the DS-156K. It is also available for download here: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html

Hi VJers,

I noticed on the electronic DS-156 form there is a place for the person who is preparing the application to sign, and for the benificiary. Does this mean I can prepare the application for my fiance - if so it would be much easier for us both b/c I have easier access to internet, scanners, printers, etc.

Thanks!

OH, ok, I see. Thanks!

It is best to do the right thing and file for the AOS ASAP after marriage, prior to his visa expiration.

Ok I understand that the visa expires if you don't marry within 3 months after enter the U.S. And, that it expires after 6 months of having it and not entering the U.S. So are you saying it also expires after marraige at some point?

Also, I read this in the VJ flow chart:

Apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS), EAD, AP

Apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS). You should file as soon as possible. If you have not filed for AOS and your K-1 expires, you will be considered out-of-status until you file. Make all attempts to file before you become out-of-status.

Doesn't your K1 only expire if you stay in the US for 3 months without marrying the petitioner or if you wait longer than 6 months to use the visa and enter the US. And, if so then wouldn't it stand to reason that you most likely won't need to file an AOS because you most likely decided not to marry/travel?

Hi all,

I am having a hard time figuring out whether or not my fiance will be eligible for things once he is in US and we are married.

So once he gets here (in posession of legal K1 Visa) and we are married (living together in Virginia) is he at that point considered a resident? Or, would this only qualify after we have done an Adjustment of Status to Legal Permament Resident?

I guess what I am asking, in other words, is: what is the status of the beneficiary after marrying the petitioner but before getting their "stamp" in the passport/green card after the AOS process is complete?

Thanks!!

Hey! I am in the same boat. I am currently working my first full-time job ever since graduating college. I was in the peace corps for a while before this job, but of course that was volunteer and didn't pay. My tax returns will show under poverty level for all the past years I've filed. But, I also asked this question to VJ a few months ago and I was told that as long as I can prove my income with pay stubs and a letter of employment and good standing from my employer I should be fine.

I also don't really have a co-sponsor. I mentioned it briefly once to my mom and I could tell right away she wasn't comfortable so I never brought it up again. I don't have anyone else to ask either. SO, i'm on my own. But, like I said, we should be fine because by the time we would have to provide an affidavit of support we could prove sufficient income.

Also, they will be able to tell you were a full-time student, so they will understand why your income was low as opposed to just job hopping for no reason.

Nebraska doesn't process K-1's. Why did you want to check there?

ohhhhhhhhhhhh. that explains it. I meant to put Vermont. phew. thanks! I feel better now.